
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
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Knot Navigator
Tuesday, October 07, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
From tying your shoes to tying your boat so it doesn't float away, knots are necessary! Join a park interpreter to learn how to tie different types of knots. Appropriate for all ages.
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Diamond Mining 101
Tuesday, October 07, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center to learn the tricks of the trade at this demonstration of diamond searching methods!
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Fish Feeding
Tuesday, October 07, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Come see the fish feast! It is very entertaining and quite interesting to watch the feeding habits of fish, like a bass striking at a worm or minnow. Gather around the fish tanks and enjoy the show.
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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, October 07, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
We have 8,000 gallons of aquariums, filled with many of the fish species found in Lake Dardanelle. Join park staff in the visitor center as they feed the fish live food. See for yourself, what’s for…
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Diamond Mining 101
Tuesday, October 07, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center to learn the tricks of the trade at this demonstration of diamond searching methods!
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Scenic Lake Tour
Tuesday, October 07, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Ouachita's immense size, pristine shoreline, and numerous islands offer breathtaking scenery that is unparalleled in the state. Enjoy a tour with a park interpreter as you explore the wildlife,…
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Reptilian Riddles
Tuesday, October 07, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Many creatures call Lake Dardanelle State Park home. Many of these amazing creatures are reptiles. Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room to discover some of the things that…
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Daybreak Diamond Tour
Wednesday, October 08, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Join a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center, lower level to walk through the search area and learn about the best places to search for diamonds. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of past…
Heart Healthy
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Wander to the Point Hike
Wednesday, October 08, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Enjoy an easy, scenic 2-mile walk along the service road on the Caddo Bend Trail, ideal for strollers or anyone looking for a gentle outing along a gravel road. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as…
Heart Healthy
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Burn Smart, Leave No Mark
Wednesday, October 08, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Campfires can warm the night and cook our meals, but they can also scar the land for years. Join a park interpreter for a guided activity about how to enjoy fire sustainably and responsibly. From…
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Diamond Mining 101
Wednesday, October 08, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center to learn the tricks of the trade at this demonstration of diamond searching methods!
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Spinning and Lace Making Demonstration
Wednesday, October 08, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
In this special showcase, local spinners will share how they craft fibers into yarn and lacemakers will exhibit the creation of handmade laces. They welcome all interested visitors to join them for an…
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Leaf What You Find, Remember What You See
Wednesday, October 08, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Ever wanted to take a piece of nature home without picking it up? Join a park interpreter to explore the textures of leaves, trees, rocks, and more as we create art along Dripping Springs Trail. It is…
Heart Healthy
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Ouachita Watercolors
Wednesday, October 08, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Throughout time, water holds power at Lake Ouachita State Park! Discover the history and importance of Lake Ouachita and its powerful water by joining a park interpreter during this lakeside…
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Preserving Ozark Chinquapin
Thursday, October 09, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter at the front entrance of the visitor center (where rocking chairs are placed) to learn more about the threatened Ozark chinquapin and our park's effort to preserve this…
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Exploration Station: Bird Beaks
Thursday, October 09, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Have you ever wondered why a hummingbird’s beak is different from a hawk’s? Discover how different birds have beaks adapted for their unique diets. At the end, you will have the option to try the…
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Hidden in Plain Sight Hike
Thursday, October 09, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Every trail tells a story, but it is not always obvious. On this guided hike of Signal Hill Loop, we’ll search for hidden clues in the natural and cultural landmarks – and connect with the land along…
Heart Healthy
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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, October 09, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center to learn the tricks of the trade at this demonstration of diamond searching methods!
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Nature Journals
Thursday, October 09, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to make your very own nature journal. Take this keepsake with you and use it to record your future experiences in nature! All materials provided. Appropriate for all…
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Lake Cruise
Thursday, October 09, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Explore the wonders of Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River aboard the state park tour boat (weather permitting). Enjoy abundant wildlife, amazing history, and astounding views of the river valley…
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